November 2015

TOWN OF TOLLAND
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Steven R. Werbner
Town Manager
November 10, 2015
Town Manager’s Office
The State Department of Transportation will be holding a public informational meeting on the
Rt. 195 Tolland Green Traffic calming project on December 10th at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall
Council Chambers. The project is scheduled at this point for construction in the 2018
construction season.
Human Resources
Recently employees Agata Herasimowicz and Joan Vertefeuille left service with the Town.
Agata worked in the Finance Office and Joan in the Library. We thank them for their years of
dedicated service with the Town and wish them well in the future.
Tolland 300th Anniversary Committee (submitted by Kate Farrish, Secretary)
After four years of work, the Tolland 300th Anniversary Committee voted on November 2, 2015
to disband and to direct the town of Tolland’s Permanent Celebration Committee to take
responsibility for any remaining anniversary bills and to oversee ongoing Tolland 300th
merchandise sales.
Following the advice of Ms. Hancock, the Committee further directs the PCC to deposit any
proceeds from merchandise sales into the existing 300th anniversary account and to pay any
remaining 300th bills from that account. Finally, it directs the PCC to use those proceeds, once
all of the final anniversary bills are paid, to purchase tangible items, such as a sound system or a
portable stage, that can be used for the betterment of the town at town-run events.
It’s been a pleasure to serve the town.
Assessor
We have received three appeals to Superior Court. After our pretrial with MJB Realty (Star Hill)
on 7/28/15, the Court rejected their original appraisal and ordered that both sides get professional
appraisals. The Town has hired an appraiser and completed an inspection of the property on
10/27/15. The next pretrial is scheduled for 11/17/15. The Norwegian Woods (apartments on
Merrow Road) and the Town have settled out of court. Dicks Citgo (59 Merrow Road) is
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scheduled for pretrial in November. Rick Conti had to recuse himself from this appeal and the
Assessor has been working with Stephen Penny of Manchester.
Personal Property declarations were sent out on October 1st and were due November 2nd.
We have received the 2014 Supplemental Motor Vehicle List and have begun pricing it.
The Assessor’s Office has been busy in the field collecting data for 2015 building permits.
Finance Department
The Finance Department is in the final stages of completing the annual audit. Final statements
need to be compiled and reviewed prior to printing. We anticipate having final reports in
December.
We have begun the Capital Improvement compilation and review process and are working
together with the Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools, Department Heads and our
Financial Advisor to develop the program for the next five years.
We are pleased to announce that the Town has been awarded the GFOA Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award for our 2015 Budget document.
We are still in the process of replacing our Assistant Finance Director position and will hopefully
have the position filled within the next month.
Human Services
Residents may call any of the following Tolland Human Services personnel for more information
about state programs and local initiatives:
Beverly Bellody, M.S., Human Services Director (860) 871-3611
Nancy Taylor Dunn, L.P.C., Assistant Director Human Services (860) 871-3612
Stephanie Mansell, B.S., Human Services Case Manager (860) 871-3615
Fran Weigand, Senior Center Director (860) 870-3725
Rebecca Ellert, Elderly Outreach Case Worker (860) 870-3726
Bridget Joy, Human Services Administrative Secretary (860) 871-3648
Youth Programming
TYSCT Coffee House fall performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th, 7:00 pm at
the Tolland High School café. The event features original and popular vocal selections
performed by area high school youth. Admission, which includes light refreshments and coffee,
is $5 and a non-perishable food item for the Tolland Food Bank.
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Watch for press releases about future TYSCT Coffee House events. For more information
residents may contact Nancy Dunn @ (860) 871-3612 or [email protected]. Please visit
us on FaceBook @ The Coffee House - TYSCT and at www.tolland.org.
Residents are encouraged to log onto the Town website (www.Tolland.org) to view schedules
and information about programs offered through Youth Services.
Mark your calendars for these events:
The Coffee House series scheduled on Nov. 14, 2015 and March 5th and May 7, 2016
TYSCT Summer Musical (performances July 22 & 23, 2016)
For more information about programs and services for Tolland youth and families, residents may
contact Nancy Dunn @ (860) 871-3612 or [email protected].
Assistance Programs
2015 Holiday Care and Share Program
The Human Services Holiday Care & Share program provides Thanksgiving and December
holiday food baskets and children’s gifts to Tolland residents and families experiencing financial
hardship, helping to make their holidays a little brighter! Sponsors and applicants may
participate in any or all of the food basket/children’s gift programs.
Important Program Dates –
October 1: Registration forms available for program Sponsors
October 5: Applications available to Tolland households needing holiday assistance
October 16*: Registration and Application forms returned to Human Services.
November 24: Thanksgiving Baskets: Drop-off in AM & Distribution to families in PM.
December 17: Children’s Gifts: Distribution to families in PM.
December 22: December Holiday Baskets: Drop-off in AM & Distribution to families
in PM
Households facing critical economic hardship may continue to apply throughout the holidays.
Human Services will ensure that all such households receive the services that are needed.
Eligibility: Tolland households receiving income-based assistance (Energy Assistance, Renters
Rebate, Free/Reduced Lunch Program, Food Stamps etc.) are eligible to apply for this program.
Households not receiving other assistance but experiencing financial hardship may also apply;
those applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Residents may contact Nancy Dunn at (860) 871-3612 for more information about becoming a
sponsor or to request an application. Seniors - contact Rebecca Ellert, 860-870-3726, to request
an application.
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Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP/CHAP)
Human Services is scheduling appointments to apply for the 2015/2016 Energy Assistance
Program; deliveries of fuel will begin November 10, 2015. On behalf of eligible households, the
winter heating assistance pays for such heating sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane,
kerosene, coal and wood/pellets. Homeowners and renters may apply. Income Guidelines are
listed below.
Application Documentation - Residents must provide proof of all Income (employment/
unemployment, Social Security, pensions, child support, etc.) and Assets (checking, savings,
CD's, stocks, bonds, shares, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts if the
accounts are in the name of a household member who is at least 59 ½ years old) for ALL
household members for the four weeks prior to the application date. Tolland residents may
contact the following with inquiries or to schedule an appointment to apply for energy assistance:
Seniors - contact Rebecca Ellert, (860) 870-3726; all others contact Administrative Secretary
Bridget Joy, (860) 871-3648; residents may also contact the ACCESS Agency in Willimantic,
(860) 450-7423. We are unable to process walk-in applications.
Operation Fuel Emergency Assistance Program
Operation Fuel programs are now closed. Human Services will take applications for the winter
heating season when program guidelines/dates are available. Income guidelines will remain as
listed below. For further information, Tolland residents may contact Nancy Dunn at
(860) 871-3612.
Income Guidelines for Connecticut Energy Assistance and Operation Fuel Programs:
Household Income Guidelines - 2015/2016
1
2
3
4
Under
Under
Under
Under
$33,132 $43,327
$53,521
$63,716
5
Under
$73,910
6
Under
$84,105
7
Under
$86,016
Food Bank
The Food Bank gratefully appreciates donations from individuals, neighborhoods, youth groups,
organizations and businesses. Tolland residents needing to use the Food Bank, may contact the
following staff members: Seniors - contact Rebecca Ellert (860) 870-3726; all other households
contact Stephanie Mansell (860) 871-3615.
The FoodShare Mobile Food Pantry is available in Tolland on alternate Thursdays, 9-9:30 am in
the parking lot adjacent to the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland Green. Preregistration and identification are not required. For more information about FoodShare, residents
may contact FOODSHARE at (860) 286-9999 or the UCC office at (860) 875-4160, or visit the
FOODSHARE website, www.foodshare.org. For the next few months, distribution at the
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Tolland site will be on the following dates:
November* 12; December 10 & 24, 2015
Residents participating in the program must bring their own bags.
* Note: No FoodShare delivery on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 26)
Renter’s Rebate
The initial application period for Renters’ Rebate Program is now closed. Any renter who
missed the initial application period has until December 15th to request an extension of time to
file an application. Renters requesting an extension must have a letter from a doctor indicating
that they were under the doctor’s care during the initial filing period, April 1st to October 1st. If a
renter is approved for an extension, they will apply in their town of residence. If you have any
questions, please contact Stephanie Mansell at (860) 871-3615.
Fair Housing Notice
Beverly Bellody, Director of Tolland Human Services, serves as the Fair Housing Officer for the
Town of Tolland. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and
financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or
legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under the age of 18)
and handicap (disability).
Under the Connecticut Federal Fair Housing Act, it is against the law to deny anyone housing
based on race, color, national origin, sex, ancestry, religion, children or family status, mental or
physical disability, marital status, age (except minors), sexual orientation, or legal source of
income. If you feel your rights have been denied in the equal access to the rental, sale or
financing of residential property, please contact Beverly Bellody at (860) 871-3611, Mon.-Wed.
8:00 am-4:30 pm, Thurs. 8:00 am-7:30 pm, closed on Friday.
For more information you can also contact The Connecticut Fair Housing Center, 221 Main
Street, Hartford, CT 06106, 860-247-4236, or email at [email protected]. The
Connecticut Fair Housing Center also has information about foreclosure prevention.
Library
Programs for Adults
Presentation on Creating Floral Centerpieces for the Holidays - Watch Bob Buettner, owner
of Paul Buettner Florist Inc. of East Hartford, create beautiful holiday centerpieces on Tuesday,
November 10th at 6:30 pm in Conference Room A at the Tolland Town Hall. Mr. Buettner has
served on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Florist Association for 6 years and has been
Chairman of their large trade fair for 4 years. Come and learn his secrets for beautiful flower
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designs! A drawing will be held for the floral arrangements he makes at the presentation. This
program is sponsored by the Friends of the Tolland Public Library.
Tolland Public Library Foundation to hold a talk on social media for small businesses - As
part of a series of lectures to help small businesses and organizations in Town, the Tolland
Public Library Foundation will present a talk Thursday, Nov. 12th on “How to Grow Your
Business with Email and Social Media.” April Woodcock, managing partner of Touching
Clients of Norwich, will discuss how to make the most of email, mobile technology and social
media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to market a business or organization.
Woodcock, an “authorized local expert” of Constant Contact who lectures throughout New
England, said the marketing possibilities for small businesses can be time-consuming and
overwhelming. She said she will show participants how to “make sense of the noise” so
audience members will come away with a greater understanding of marketing basics.
The free event will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Conference Room A of Tolland Town Hall
at 21 Tolland Green.
State of Connecticut Partnership for Long Term Care Program - Aldo Pantano, a
representative from the CT Partnership for Long-Term Care, with the State Office of Policy and
Management, will present information on how long-term care insurance can help protect your
retirement investments on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 pm in Conference Room A. This free
program is open to all. Please call the library at (860) 871-3620 to register.
Ongoing Programs
The Cookbook Club will meet on Monday, November 16th at 6:30 pm in Conference Room A to
discuss pies and tarts.
The Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Tuesday, November 17th at 2:00 pm in
Conference Room A to discuss In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick.
The Writers Workshop will not be meeting this month.
Night time knitters will meet on Tuesday, November 24th at 6:30 pm in Conference Room A.
The Nookless Knitters meet every Friday at 10 until noon in Conference Room A.
The Tolland Public Library is on Facebook! Check us out!
Children’s and Young Adult Library Programs
Family Board Games Day: families are invited to drop by the library on Saturday, November
7th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, to try their hand with a variety of old fashioned board games.
We’ll have an assortment of games set up for play. Free and no sign up required.
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Mockingjay 2 Release Party for Teens: teens age 13 and up are invited to celebrate the release
of the final Hunger Games movie by coming to the library for our release party on Saturday,
November 14th, at 1:30 pm. There will be a trivia contest, edible plant identification, make your
own Hunger Games keychains and more, including prizes! Feel free to come in Hunger Games
themed costume. Sign up requested.
Reading Therapy Dogs will be at the library this month on Saturday, November 7th, from 1:30
to 3:00 pm with R.E.A.D. dog Dolly; and on Thursday, November 12th, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
with R.E.A.D. dog Vinny. Children may be signed up for a 15-minute session with either dog by
calling the library. This is for children in Kindergarten and up who would benefit from some
read-aloud practice in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy
animals which have undergone additional training to work with children.
Children’s Chess continues in November on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on
November 3rd, 10th and 17th. (The group will not meet Thanksgiving week.)
Mr. Tom Hartmayer, the Coordinator for the University of Connecticut Chess Club, provides
weekly instruction on the game, followed by free play time. This unique chess program for
children in grades 3 and up is made possible by grants from the Tolland Public Library
Foundation and a fundraiser by the UConn Chess Club. To sign up, call the library at
(860) 871-3620.
Family Harvest PJ Story time for ages 2 to 8 will meet on: Thursday, November 5th at 6:30
pm. Children are welcome to come in PJs and to bring a favorite stuffed animal. No sign up is
required.
Ongoing story times: regularly scheduled story times will continue to meet through the month
of November: the Library/Family Resource Center Story Playgroup for ages 2+ meets on
Tuesdays at 10:15 am; Preschool Storytime for ages 2 to 5 meets on Wednesday mornings at
10:15; Mother Goose Rhyme Time for ages 6 to 23 months of age meets on Wednesdays at
11:15; and Afternoon Storytime meets on Thursdays at 1:30 pm.
Getting Ready: As the library prepares for construction to begin on the new addition in midNovember, some changes have been made. Young Adult magazines have been moved around
the corner from their former bookcase in the alcove next to the Program Room. Story telling kits
have also been moved out to lower shelves under the children’s DVD collection. Story times
and other children’s programs are now meeting in Conference Room A as materials in the former
Library Program Room are packed up and bookcases in that room emptied.
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Planning & Community Development
Planning & Zoning Commission
October 2015
• The Commission approved Special Permit application #842, 404 Merrow Road, for the
storage and rental of vehicles and trailers.
• The Commission agreed to allow the Zoning Enforcement Officer to approve sign
permits for non-sandwich board type temporary signs through June 30, 2016 provided
they meet all other zoning requirements.
• The Commission concurred with staff that allowing two rear lots to share a driveway
should be examined along with removing the restriction that fenced areas for chickens
cannot exceed 400 square feet. Staff will prepare amendments for the Commission’s
consideration.
Planning Office
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Efforts to modernize the format of the zoning regulations has been initiated by staff. In
addition, in order to both streamline the permitting process and clarify certain
requirements, a consultant is reviewing residential accessory uses and recommending
modifications.
A Request for Qualifications for stormwater/low impact development peer review was
issued. The intention is to qualify two firms to be on stand-by to conduct application
reviews for larger or more complex development projects. Qualifications are due at the
end of November.
Staff continues outreach to businesses regarding the temporary sign regulations and
began removing off-premise business signs. Removed signs are stored at Town Hall and
will be kept for a couple of months. The department received numerous inquiries
whether on-property contractor signs and political signs were being removed by staff,
they are not. Additional information on temporary signs was added to the Town’s
website to clarify what is allowed and which ones need a permit.
Staff continues working to prepare for a public conversation on blight scheduled for
November 12th, 7:00 pm at the Fire Training Center.
Staff awaits a determination by CT DOT regarding possible road improvements required
along Route 195 to accommodate planned development in the Technology Zone (Gottier
property).
Staff reviewed and updated information provided annually by the state on the number of
affordable housing units in Tolland.
Working with the Conservation Commission and the Town’s GIS consultant, staff is
creating a digital mapping layer of trails in town.
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Zoning Enforcement
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Current Zoning Enforcement activities include responding to complaints to determine if
violations are present. A notice of zoning violation issued for the keeping of 12 dogs
where only 6 are allowed was appealed. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the
appeal on December 10th.
Staff assisted appraisers, realtors, contractors and residents with Zoning Regulation
requirements and issued Zoning Permits, approved as-builts and conducted Certificate of
Occupancy reviews.
Zoning Board of Appeals
October 2015 – The Board approved the following variances:
• ZBA #15-2, 63 Nedwied Road, to allow a shed to be approximately 71 feet from the front
property line where 75 feet is required.
• ZBA #15-3, 184 Reed Road, to allow a garage to be 15 feet from the side property line
where 25 feet is required.
• ZBA #15-4, 79 Shenipsit Lake Road, to allow two sheds (to be assembled as a garage) 12
feet from the property line where 25 feet is required.
• ZBA #15-5, 16 Summit Drive, to allow a shed to be 13 feet from the side property line
where 25 feet is required.
Agricultural Commission
October 2015 – The Commission continues to work to create a “seed library” based on a similar
program in Mansfield. Staff designed the copy for new sandwich board signs that announce the
Farmers Market. Three signs were ordered, using funds from the Agriculture Viability Grant.
Design Advisory Board
October 2015 – Meeting cancelled.
Conservation Commission
October 2015
• The Commission is working with Public Works to obtain a price quote for replacing a
missing gate at the Campbell property. Public Works also replaced a fiberglass roof
panel that broke at the barn.
• The Sage Meadow Management Plan was presented to the Town Council and adopted.
• The Grand Opening for Crystal Peat was held in early October, with approximately 40
attendees.
• An Eagle Scout from Ellington has expressed interest in building a 45 foot boardwalk at
the Schindler-Schmidt property.
• The Commission is preparing an invasive species plan for Sage Meadow.
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Town Engineer
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Finalized updates to Sewer Application form and obtained Town Council approval for
consultant review fee for Merrow Road/Tolland Green low pressure force main service
area.
Issued addenda and received RFP submittals for TWC regarding Summit Water Tank
RFP.
Inland Wetlands permitting and enforcement, attended IWC meetings.
Route 195 Reconstruction: Attended progress meeting, coordinated changes to retaining
wall finish, met with CT DOT inspector and contractor in field.
Building Department – James Paquin, Bldg. Official & Patricia Files, Admin. Sec. (860) 871-3601
Town Projects
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The Building Department is busy with issuing permits and performing inspections
o Continued success closing out old, open permits.
o Daily interaction with various departments to better the Town, as a whole.
o Answered counter and phone questions from residents, contractors and realtors.
Solar permits issued this month: 4.
Calls from Fire Department: 5 total, one after-hours.
Work without permits: 8 cited, obtained full compliance.
Participated in TARG, Development and Staff meetings.
Conducted multiple inspections to repair Parks Garage roof.
Conducted multiple inspections for new Senior Center canopy.
Conducted numerous inspections at Crandall’s Lodge for feasibility of installing air
conditioning and the conduit for the necessary electric service upgrade.
Participated in meetings and walkthroughs for heating plant at the Recreation building.
Continual work on the Library expansion and elevator project
o Building Official is the Clerk of the Works for this project.
Participated in multiple meetings and field inspections at Adam’s Adventure
o In concert with Public Works and Engineering.
Participated in numerous discussions regarding blighted properties and junk cars.
Investigated one property for Tax Collector regarding occupancy status.
Attended continuing education classes, as required by State Statute.
Building Department is the primary contact for all Special Event Permits
o No applications processed this month.
Assisted the Zoning Enforcement Officer with field inspections.
Assisted the Zoning Enforcement Officer with illegal sign enforcement.
Commercial
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Consultation plan review and inspection with the Fire Marshal regarding:
o All commercial new construction and remodeling.
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•
o Commercial C.O.’s.
o Change of use requests.
o Special Event permits.
o All propane tanks installed.
Conducted numerous inspections with Deputy Fire Marshal DaBica, utilizing a “team
approach” to better obtain compliance and enforce life safety codes and regulations.
Enforcement Policy of Abandoned Cars and Issues regarding Towing Cars memos are attached.
The Summary Building Report for October is attached.
Probate Court
Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court (serving Coventry, Mansfield, Tolland and Willington) will be
changing its hours as of November 30, 2015. The new hours are: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am5:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am-12:00 noon.
Also, as of January 1, 2015, the Court no longer processes passports. The Rockville and Storrs
Post Offices continue to do so.
Public Safety
October was a very busy month for the department. The department has been working on
completing various capital improvement projects. The refurbishment of ET-340 is about 60%
complete. All of body work has been completed. Firematic will be focusing on the mechanicals
of the truck as we head into the winter months. This includes overhauling the pump, brakes,
suspension, cooling, motor and transmission work. We are hoping this project will be complete
by early spring.
Ambulance 640’s remount is under way. The new F-Series cab and chassis has been painted.
The after-market suspension system has arrived and still needs to be installed. The compartment
doors to the patient module have been removed and painted. The patient compartment module
will be removed from the existing E-Series chassis in November. The front of the ambulance
needs to have a steel plate welded into place to close the opening that existed with the E-Series
cab and chassis.
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Vinyl graphics have been removed.
Rear brake, turn and reverse lights have been
removed.
Passenger side compartment doors have been
removed for paint.
Driver side compartment doors have been
removed for paint.
Painted compartment door.
Painted compartment doors.
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Painted cab and chassis.
The new service 140 is coming along nicely. The Assistant Director went to inspect the new
poly body at the manufacturer on October 27th in North Andover, MA. The body passed
inspection. To save money on delivery charges the Assistant Director trailered home the new
body to our vehicle up fitter. The body is scheduled to go in for paint the second week of
November. The department chose a poly body versus as alloy body because it will not corrode
and the body has a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. We are hoping that this truck
will be ready to go in service in the month of December.
This is the new cab and chassis at Hartford
Truck before plow installation.
This is the new cab and chassis after plow
installation.
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The painted cab and chassis with new push
bumper.
This is new poly body after it was loaded on
the trailer at the factory.
The 2003 Service truck is currently being refurbished. Most of the body and mechanical work is
completed. The new flatbed utility body is being manufactured in Chepachet, RI. This
refurbishment is scheduled to be completed by the end of November.
2003 Service 140 getting prepped for paint.
Example of the corrosion issues the truck is
experiencing.
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Hood repairs
Driver side fender repair.
The fiber project is moving forward very rapidly. As of the end of October about 90% of the
physical fiber infrastructure has been installed. During the month of November, Sertex will be
completing any underground conduit work that is required and pulling the fiber from utility poles
into the various facilities.
Animal Control
In the month of October the Animal Control Department answered 88 calls/complaints during
regular and after work hours.
The calls described below are a sampling of the complaints investigated & current
projects/events:
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Officers continue to use the Town of Tolland Animal Control Facebook Page (which now
has 2,177 “likes”) to advertise missing and found animals, animals for adoption and to
keep residents informed of any on-going animal related events.
Officer impounded seven dogs that were found roaming. All the dogs were successfully
reunited to their owners.
Officers continue to receive calls for sick/injured wildlife. None had direct contact with
residents or pets and therefore were not tested.
A notice was sent to Tolland residents reminding them of the local wildlife and
suggestions on how to live among them by keeping garbage, food and other attractants
secured and to supervise pets while outdoors.
Officer Binheimer received a call regarding roaming livestock on Merrow Road at the
Twin Ponds complex. The officer successfully herded the animals and walked them back
to the owner’s residence.
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ACO Binheimer has finished sending out 155 overdue dog license letters to residents
who have not renewed their dog licenses since June. We have received 58 renewals after
receiving a letter and 6 owners responded to notify us they have moved out of Tolland or
no longer own the dog.
“Willie”, the long haired, Buff (or Flame Point), Himalayan or Ragdoll type feral cat
which was impounded in September was adopted by a Tolland resident.
Activity
Complaints Received
Complaints Investigated
Animals Impounded
Animals Redeemed
Ads Placed
Animals Sold
Animals Euthanized
Notices to License
Infractions Issued
Animals on Hand End of Month
Animal Bites Reported (Human)
Animal Bites Reported (Animal)
Deceased Animals on Roadways
This
Month
85
85
12
10
0
1
0
137
1
0
0
0
1
Last
Month
94
94
10
9
0
1
0
63
2
1
0
0
0
Year to
Date
389
389
40
29
1
5
2
211
6
4
5
3
2
This Month Last Year
Last Year
To Date
99
343
99
343
5
34
6
26
1
10
0
7
1
1
82
208
11
17
0
8
1
1
2
2
0
4
Emergency Management
On October 8, 2015 Director Littell met with the CERT team. A practical exercise was
conducted. Supplies were distributed to the team.
The Director and Public Safety Secretary’s application to FEMA for federal reimbursement for
Winter Storm Colbie that occurred in January of 2015 was awarded. The Town was notified and
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received $87,102.80 in Federal Aid. This reimbursement is 75% of the eligible expenditures
made by the Town during that event.
Staff spent a significant amount of time preparing these applications. The department would like
to thank all the Town departments and agencies that provided us with the required supporting
documentation.
On October 21, 2015 Director Littell participated in the Statewide Emergency Preparedness Drill
that was conducted by the State of Connecticut. Director Littell spent most of the day
participating in various aspects of the drill.
Fire Department
The department conducted three regular training meetings and one business meeting in October.
The department held its annual Open House and Recruitment Drive on October 17, 2015. Chief
Littell is pleased to announce the promotion of Carl Dojan from Firefighter to Deputy Chief of
Operations. Chief Dojan was a member of the Tolland Fire Department in the 1980’s and early
1990’s before leaving the department to become a career firefighter with West Hartford Fire
Department. Carl retired as a Captain with West Hartford and rejoined as a member of the
volunteer fire department in 2014. Chief Dojan will oversee the daily line operations of the
volunteer side of the Tolland Fire Department.
Chief Littell is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Wellings from special member of the
Tolland Fire Department to Administrative Deputy Chief of Professional Development. Chief
Wellings has been a member of the Tolland Fire Department since 2004. Chief Wellings
previously was a member of the Town of Vernon Fire Department and the Bungay Fire Brigade
in Woodstock, CT. Chief Wellings will oversee all aspects of our training.
Operational Deputy Chief Carl Dojan
Administrative Deputy Chief Jason Wellings
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The following is a summary report of significant activity for the month of October the Fire
Department has participated in:
1. On the evening of October 1, 2015 crews responded to Gehring Road for a motor vehicle
roll over involving a pole. Vehicle occupants had minor injuries and were transported to
RGH for evaluation. Road was closed until the vehicle was removed.
2. On the morning of October 3, 2015 crews assisted with the Cider Mill Road Race.
EMT’s on bicycles patrolled the race course. A first aid station was set up at Crandall’s
Park.
3. On the afternoon of October 4, 2015 crews responded to Merrow Road in the area of
Norwegian Woods for a motor vehicle accident. Two ambulances and a paramedic
responded to the scene.
4. On the afternoon of October 23, 2015 crews responded to Hartford Turnpike near Johnny
Appleseeds for a MVA. One ambulance transported patients to RGH for medical
evaluation.
5. On the evening of October 24, 2015 crews responded to Plains Road near Charles Street
for a car vs. utility pole. The operator was not injured. Utility pole needed to be
replaced.
6. On the afternoon of October 25, 2015 crews responded to Tolland Stage Road between
I-84 and South River Road for a pick-up truck roll over. No one was injured in the
accident. The operator needed to be extricated from the vehicle.
7. On the afternoon of October 31, 2015 crews responded to the area of 208 Rhodes Road
for a car vs. utility pole. Two ambulances responded to the scene. Three patients were
transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Gehring Rd. MVA rollover vs. utility pole.
Page 18 of 46
Plains Rd. MVA vs. utility pole.
November 10, 2015
Page 19 of 26
Tolland Stage Road MVA rollover with entrapment.
Rhodes Road MVA vs. utility pole.
Fire Department
Performance Data
Fire
Medical
Hazardous Materials
Vehicle Accidents
Other Emergency/Service Calls
Interstate 84 (all call types)
Day-time
Career
Calls
22
32
2
7
28
4
Page 19 of 46
Nights &
Weekends
Volunteer Calls
32
71
2
9
30
8
November 10, 2015
Page 20 of 26
Fire Marshal
The Fire Marshal’s Office conducted several inspections and participated in mandatory
Continuing Education Unit training classes.
The following is a summary report of significant activity for the month of October the Fire
Marshal’s Office has participated in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Propane tank installation inspections.
Propane tank installations follow up to include unneeded excess tank storage removal,
existing pipe non-conformance.
Daily review and approval of permits.
Daily discussion with insurance companies referencing fire suppression capabilities and
underground water supply capabilities.
Reviewed Fire Alarm System certifications for several, private business sites.
Inspected local restaurants for liquor permit approval.
Investigated fires, gas leaks, complaints and prepared reports as required.
Assisted with Fire Department emergencies outside scope of normal work.
Provided accommodations for inspections outside regular work hours.
Daily on site review/assistance for AT&T store Fieldstone Plaza.
Participated Fire Alarm Drills for TMS, TIS, BGP and THS.
Follow up inspection for THS, TIS, TMS and BGP for annual inspection.
Meeting with BOE to review fire alarm upgrade and strategic plan going forward.
Follow up discussion with Meadows Condominium management for plans to complete
non-compliant residents to inspect units.
Inspected units at Meadows Condominiums several follow ups.
Verified source of LP odor and gas leak at Fieldstone Commons. This incident required
several follow up visits and phone calls.
Managed CO problem at Fieldstone plaza.
Re-Inspected 7th Day Adventist Church Hartford Turnpike.
Plan reviewed for Library expansion.
Completed inspections at Stone Pond Condominiums. Many follow ups required.
Inspected preschools for re-licensing.
CO approval and plan review for several hours and visits to Fieldstone Commons AT&T
store.
Initial planning and provisions provided for annual inspections at Old Post Village to
commence in November.
Initial visit with Winding River management planning for annual inspections to
commence November/December
Page 20 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 21 of 26
•
•
•
Fire investigations as required.
Worked with THS management and graphic arts students to develop and design egress
maps for all schools.
Attended full day training on the Connecticut Fire Prevention Code changes.
Tolland Alert
There were 3 activations of Tolland Alert in October.
1. On October 2, 2015 a text/email advisory was broadcast to residents and businesses
informing them of the Cider Mill Road Race. A phone message was broadcast to a
selected group of residents that were directly affected by the road race.
2. On October 27, 2015 a text/email road closure advisory was broadcast to residents and
businesses informing them that Interstate 84 westbound in Vernon was closed between
Exit 65 and 64. Alternate routes were suggested in the advisory.
3. On October 28, 2015 a text/email road closure advisory was broadcast to residents and
businesses informing them that Hunter Road was closed between Peter Green Road and
Crystal Lake Road for tree and wires down. An advisory was also issued for no injury
accidents on Route 195 between Norwegian Woods and the Coventry town line.
The @TollandAlert Twitter account has now tweeted 978 messages and now has 933 followers.
The TollandAlert Instagram account has now posted 64 multimedia messages and now has 295
followers.
Recreation
Basketball registration has started and will continue through the end of the month. Registration
is on target to match last year’s numbers. Our department also started a new sponsorship
program for basketball to help offset the operating cost of the program.
Our Department will be gathering information for our new Town Newsletter. The new brochure
is through Essex Printing and will have a magazine look to it. We are in hopes that the
publication will be very appealing to our residents.
This past month we had our Annual Trick or Treat event. This year’s event was held at the
Tolland Recreation Center. We had approximately 150 children come through our trick of
treating alley.
The Lodge continues to be busy with events every weekend.
Page 21 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 22 of 26
Tax Office
Revenue Collections for the current year from July 1, 2015 through October 31, 2015 are
$21,891,836 or 53.43% of the budgeted amount which is in line with previous years.
Delinquent Statements have been sent for real estate and motor vehicle tax bills. The Tax Office
continues to work with the State Marshall on delinquent Personal Property tax bills and warrants
will be sent to area banks for collection.
The Delinquent Tax Collection Enforcement Committee met to review 11 possible properties for
tax sale if the debt is not paid or an acceptable payment plan entered into.
This month the Collector of Revenue and Assistant Collector of Revenue will attend the CT
State Tax Collectors meeting at the Aqua Turf in Southington. The topic of discussion will be on
DMV’s new software, CIVLS.
Town Clerk’s Office
The 2015/2016 preservation grant project was completed this month marrying the digital map
images to the existing indices within our land records software. This creates a seamless way for
attorneys, title searchers and residents to research survey and subdivision maps. An additional
14,952 land records were also converted and made available online and on the public access
terminal.
The Town Clerk’s Office worked with the Registrar of Voters to prepare for the upcoming
Municipal Election. This is the first election in which we utilized the new absentee ballot
module of the Connecticut Voter Registration System (CVRS) which automate some tasks
involved in issuing absentee ballots. We issued 54 absentee ballots for the Municipal Election.
Over the past several months we have been organizing the vault and reviewing all records kept in
it against the State of Connecticut’s Record Retention Schedule in preparation for the delivery of
new furniture which we received this month. With the help of some temporary part-time help
this past summer, we completed a project to transfer all minutes for Tolland’s permanent Boards
and Commissions onto State-approved archival paper and binders and have recently had them
microfilmed in compliance with State Statute. In the future we will microfilm each minutes
book as it is completed.
The following pictures were taken prior to the upgrades and show storage being at full capacity.
Page 22 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 23 of 26
Page 23 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 24 of 26
The newly acquired bookcase shelving has allowed us to organize, store and make easily
accessible all minutes for all permanent Boards and Commissions of the Town of Tolland.
Storing the books vertically instead of on roller shelves has allowed us more room for growth
and freed up space in other areas of the vault for future records storage needs. The new filing
cabinets and public computer workstation have been invaluable in helping us become more
efficient and organized when handling the sheer volume of records that pass through this office
on a daily basis. We have already received many favorable comments from the regular
customers who routinely perform research in the vault and who depend upon the accuracy and
accessibility of these records.
Images of vault upgrades
Page 24 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 25 of 26
The Parks and Facilities Department was instrumental in helping to make this reorganization a
success. Not only did they refinish the floor, refresh some of the paint and move the furniture,
they went above and beyond by helping Sue and I move many of the large books all while
adapting to several unforeseen delays.
The statistical report for the month of October is attached.
Troop C Activity for Tolland
Monthly Police Services – attached is the report for September 2015. The report represents
statistics on accidents, criminal investigations, burglaries, larcenies, DUIs, traffic citations, etc.
Page 25 of 46
November 10, 2015
Page 26 of 26
Other Business
(a)
(b)
Meetings Calendar: Attached is a calendar of upcoming Town meetings and events.
Monthly/Quarterly Reports: November Senior Happenings.
OTHER BUSINESS TO BE ANNOUNCED AS WARRANTED
SRW/ltb
Attachments
The Town of Tolland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
www.tolland.org
Page 26 of 46
TOWN of TOLLAND
21 Tolland Green, Tolland, Connecticut 06084
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Heidi Samokar, Director of Planning and Development; Steve Werbner, Town
Manager; all Development Group staff
FROM:
James Paquin, Building Official
DATE:
November 2, 2015
RE:
Enforcement Priority Policy of Abandoned Cars
As you are all aware, the Building Official is the enforcement authority for junk, unregistered
and abandoned cars, as described in section 141 of the Town Code. In finding the balance
between enforcing the life safety provisions of the Building Code and enforcing abandoned
vehicles, with respect to the limited amount of time and resources available, it is necessary for us
to prioritize the enforcement of such motor vehicles. Below is our criterion for prioritization,
with preference given to vehicles meeting multiple criteria:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A written, non-anonymous complaint (electronic mail is acceptable) received from a
person residing in reasonable proximity to the vehicle
A vehicle that is placed in an area with high visibility from the public road
A vehicle that has obviously not been moved or operated in a significant period of time
A vehicle that is not actively being repaired, rebuilt or restored (a/k/a “project car”)
A vehicle that is not actively being advertised as for sale
Multiple abandoned, inoperable or unregistered vehicles located at the same address
The above list of criterion shall be considered department policy, until such time that additional
resources and perhaps staff, are added to the department.
James Paquin, Building Official
Page 27 of 46
TOWN of TOLLAND
21 Tolland Green, Tolland, Connecticut 06084
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Steve Werbner, Town Manager
FROM:
James Paquin, Building Official
DATE:
November 4, 2015
RE:
Technical issues regarding towing cars
Steve,
In speaking with Resident Trooper Merrrill, I learned that the police will no longer verify VIN
numbers for municipalities. Greg at Bill’s Auto Parts, INC. tells me that DMV form H-109 must
be filled out in entirety, including the provision that the VIN number was run through the
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.
Clearly this presents an issue that is further compounded by the fact that a municipal official
cannot enter private property to even obtain a VIN number without the owner’s permission. To
do so would require the said municipal official to apply for and obtain an administrative search
warrant from a judge.
Because of the above issues, Bills’s reports that they have not towed any cars for Tolland, or any
surrounding towns in quite a while. I will be working with Heidi Samokar, Director of Planning
and Development in researching what surrounding towns do. Bill’s is also going to try to help us
find a solution.
James Paquin, Building Official
Page 28 of 46
SUMMARY BUILDING REPORT - FISCAL YEAR
October-2015
Permits Issued
This Month
Single Family Dwelling
2
Foundation (included in single family)
0
Commercial/Industrial
1
Municipal
2
Addition
2
Garage
0
Deck/Porch
3
Roofing/Siding/Windows
20
Swimming Pool
0
Wood/Pellet Stove
4
Sheds/Barns
2
Zoning Permit Only
10
Solar
4
Interior Renovation
4
Hot Tub
0
Misc/Repair
3
Total
57
Electric
27
Plumbing
3
Mechanical
25
Total
55
Grand Total Permits
112
Submitted Building Fees *
$17,071.78
Submitted Zoning Fees **
$635.00
Construction Value
$1,111,103.85
Certs of Occup (New Structure)
1
Old Open Permits-Closed
15
Inspections
180
*Fees based on Date Submitted (starting May 2015)
**New Category
$10
permits
7
2
3
12
Last Month
Year to Date
1
2
2
2
3
0
2
13
2
6
5
6
4
4
0
6
58
21
7
25
53
111
$17,723.20
$740.00
$982,243.91
1
14
132
5
2
6
6
7
3
10
79
6
11
13
17
15
17
1
26
224
100
24
80
204
428
$69,060.76
$2,350.00
$4,159,815.61
6
72
590
Page 29 of 46
This Month
Last Year
Last Year to
Date
3
0
0
1
1
2
1
13
0
18
2
3
17
4
0
13
78
40
8
14
62
140
$31,064.62
12
0
9
3
2
6
17
59
7
36
6
18
40
22
0
54
291
122
29
59
210
501
$138,567.52
$1,890,299.79
0
146
170
$8,614,840.87
8
573
610
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT 2015-2016
NUMBER OF
EVENTS
DESCRIPTION
RECORDINGS
Land Records
Maps
EVENTS RECORDED
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Liquor Licenses
Veteran's Discharges
Notaries Filed
Trade Names
LICENSES ISSUED
Peddler Permits
Dogs/Kennels/Transfers
Marriages
Sports
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
TOTALS
TOTALS
2015
2014
YEAR-TO-DATE
PRIOR YR-TO-DATE
FY 2015/2016
FY 2014/2015
231
6
227
3
940
14
1042
20
13
36
16
16
0
2
1
4
7
13
14
1
1
3
1
48
40
1
9
13
11
25
38
41
3
11
12
11
1
85/0/0
3
19
0
55/0/0
6
10
1
604/0/1
28
63
0
536/1/4
17
29
Page 30 of 46
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT 2015-2016
REVENUE
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
YEAR-TO-DATE
YEAR-TO-DATE
2015
2014
FY 2015/2016
FY 2014/2015
RECORDING FEES
6,440
7,209
27,859
27,243
CONVEYANCE TAX
16,324
10,974
60,048
62,055
TC PRESERVATION
526
586
2,288
2,360
TOWN PRESERVATION
489
519
1947
2,145
COPIES
867
864
3,893
3,655
1,007
1,571
6,518
5,352
25,653
21,723
102,553
102,810
MISCELLANEOUS/FEES
(Sports, Dogs, Notary Vitals)
TOTALS
Page 31 of 46
Page 32 of 46
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
Friends of the Tolland Public Library
November 2, 2015, 11:00 AM
Conference Room A
Town Council
November 10, 2015, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Agriculture Commission
November 2, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Veterans Day Holiday
November 11, 2015
Town Offices Closed
Election Day
November 3, 2015, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tolland Senior Center & Recreation Center
Conservation Commission
November 12, 2015, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Economic Development Commission
November 4, 2015, 7:30 AM
Council Chambers
Technology Advisory Board
November 12, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Town Council Organizational Meeting
November 4, 2015, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Republican Town Committee
November 12, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
BOE Community Budget Workshop
November 4, 2015, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
Community Conversation-Blight Discussion
November 12, 2015, 7:00 PM
Fire Training Center
TECDC
November 5, 2015, 7:30 AM
Conference Room B
Tolland Public Library Foundation
November 16, 2015, 12:00 PM
Library Program Room
Design Advisory Board
November 5, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Tolland Water Commission
November 16, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Democratic Town Committee
November 5, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Water Pollution Control Authority
November 17, 2015, 6:00 PM
Conference Room B
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
November 9, 2015, 7:00 PM
Tolland Recreation Center
Historic District Commission
November 18, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 9, 2015, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Tolland Housing Authority
November 18, 2015, 9:00 AM
763 Tolland Stage Road
Board of Education
November 10, 2015, 7:30 PM
Tolland High School Library
Veteran's Recognition Commission
November 19, 2015, 7:00 PM
6th Floor Small Conference Room
Page 33 of 46
Inland Wetlands Commission
November 19, 2015, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Agriculture Commission
December 7, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 23, 2015, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Tolland Water Commission Public Hearing
December 7, 2015, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Town Council
November 24, 2015, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Town Council
December 8, 2015, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Thanksgiving Day & Holiday
November 26 & 27, 2015
Town Offices Closed
Economic Development Commission
December 2, 2015, 7:30 AM
Council Chambers
BOE Community Budget Workshop
December 2, 2015, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
TECDC
December 3, 2015, 7:30 AM
Conference Room B
Design Advisory Board
December 3, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Inland Wetlands Commission
December 3, 2015, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Democratic Town Committee
December 3, 2015, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Holiday Tree Lighting
December 5, 2015, 4:00 PM
Tolland Green
Friends of the Tolland Public Library
December 7, 2015, 11:00 AM
Conference Room A
Page 34 of 46
November 2015
Senior
Happenings
Dedicated to Tolland’s Senior Citizens
Hi folks!
Guess what? Yes it’s true, our canopy is almost complete. By the time you get this newsletter, more than
likely, it will be finished. How exciting!! Again, I’d like to thank the Town Council for approving this project and also Beverly Bellody for her tenacity in seeing this through. Last but not least, all who donated and
helped with fund raising over the years. Thank you all so much.
I am pleased to announce that Tolland Senior Center has agreed to become an AARP Income Tax Return site. This means that you can come to our senior center and have your taxes done here by trained volunteers. For more information, see page 4 of this newsletter. This is a free service to our community and
surrounding towns, with no age limit, and offered by appointment only.
I’d like to bring to your attention to a time change for the Wellness Clinic for Blood Pressure & Blood
Sugar. It was from 10:00am – 1:00 pm. It will now be held from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Please make note.
Our annual Tag Sale, coordinated by Elizabeth Cook and so many volunteers was a huge success. I can’t
thank all of you enough. It’s been said that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. This appears to be true,
because we realized $1512.00! How awesome is that!! Elizabeth organized it so well, it was just amazing.
Thanks to the men that stepped up to the plate in handling the heavier pieces. And the clean-up! Monday
morning, it was as if nothing happened.
Our annual Bake/Craft Sale will be held Saturday, December 5th. This is another big fund raiser for us.
There’s much work involved, again, with most of the same volunteers. If you haven’t been a part of this
event, and are looking for something fulfilling to do, why not help us out. Barbara Stone coordinates this
program, and would love your help. We’re asking for baked goods and craft items, such as scarves, mittens, quilts, etc. Barbara will have a sign-up sheet.
We have one last trip for the year, and that’s to Stage Loft Theater on Sunday, December 6. We have a
few seats available. The Travel Committee has been working hard to select trips for 2016. A sneak preview is a trip to the Bushnell to see “Love Letters”, with Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal. For more details,
please see the flyers for both trips in the newsletter.
Because of Thanksgiving, there will be some schedule changes made. Please check the calendar.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who so willingly come forward and give of your time
and talents, week after week. You make this center what it is! I’m also grateful to all of you who continue
to visit us, week after week, building friendships, and spreading the joy. You also make this center what it
is. Thank You!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Fran Weigand
Page 35 of 46
Thinking of You!!
Murray Wheeler
Irene Mantlik
Maria Hirth
Rev. Hannah Howe
And a special hello to all our friends at
Fox Hill, Vernon Manor and Woodlake.
Senior Center Trips for 2015-2016
November 10th Oakville—USO Show Troupe- $84.00
December 6th Stage Loft Theater—Nuncrackers- $79.00
February 14th Bushnell Theater—Love Letters- $105.00
Health and Wellness
Exercise: Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.
Yoga: Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Tai Chi: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Foot Care
Thursday, November 19th
(please call 860-870-3730 for an appointment) $29.00 fee
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
Monday, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Note time change)
Lunch
Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00 noon, $4.00 per lunch
There will be no lunch served November 18th.
Our Birthday Party Lunch will be the 3rd Thursday of the month
on November 19th.
Page 36 of 46
2
A Note About Outreach Activities
Rebecca Ellert, Elderly Outreach Caseworker
Greetings!
My portion of this newsletter will be more informative than fun. Fun’s good, but information is important.
Below you will see a brief guide to resources in Connecticut for seniors. It’d be a good idea to keep this
page on your refrigerator.
Beginning with..…
Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE)
1-888-385-4225
Safeguards people 60 years of age and older from physical, mental, and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, and/or financial exploitation.
The Elder Financial Abuse Prevention Project
860-424-5241
The Elder Rights project was developed to address financial exploitation of the elderly.
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders
1-800-445-5394
Provides adult day health, homemaker, companion, chore assistance, home delivered meals, emergency response systems, case management, home health services, mental health counseling and adult foster care.
Visiting Nurses & Health Services of CT
860-872-9163
VNHS of CT provides a full range of home health services including home health aides, Hospice, Meals on
Wheels, medical social workers, nursing and support groups. There is also A Caring Hand, their private
care subsidiary.
Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
website: www.alz.org
Offers the following services: family support group network, educational materials, training and consultation, and a telephone help line to provide information about community resources
Connecticut Center for Medicare Advocacy
1-800-262-4414 or 860-456-7790
Provides legal aid, self-help material, and representation to the elderly.
CHOICES for Seniors
1-800-994-9422
Provides Health Insurance assistance, Outreach, Information, and Referral and Counseling services and Eligibility Screening for state and federal benefit and/or support programs in their regions.
(I AM ALSO A CHOICES COUNSELOR)
(continued on page 4)
Page 37 of 46
3
The CT Partnership for Long Term Care
1-800-547-3443
Residents of Ct. may purchase long term care insurance. Department of Social Services
Medicare/Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213 (Social Security)
Provides health insurance for individuals 65 and older, including hospital stays and medical care.
Care & Share Program
A reminder about our November (11/24/2015) and December (12/22/2015) Care & Share Program. We’re looking for those people who would like to sponsor a family or senior. All it takes is a little time, a little money and a lot of compassion. We have quite a few clients participating this time
around, and would appreciate any help you can give. What we’re looking for would be for you to purchase a holiday meal. You don’t have cook anything – you just put it all in a special box and bring it to
the senior center on the scheduled day. We make sure the family/senior receives your offering  Gift
cards are welcome, as well, if you choose not to shop. All anonymous, of course. It’s that simple!
How do you sign up to help?
 Call me (860-870-3726) and let me know if you’d like more information about sponsoring a family
or senior household this holiday season.
 I’ll give you information about the Care & Share Program, and send you a letter which includes:
 Ways to participate at Thanksgiving or during the December holidays
 A Participation Form
 A List of items included in a typical Holiday Food Basket
 A schedule of when items need to be dropped off
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not
grow old.
-James Garfield
Happy Thanksgiving, and Peace to all…
Rebecca
Tolland Senior Center is
pleased to offer on-site assistance with filing your taxes.
There are no age requirements and you do not have to
be a Tolland resident or an AARP member. This is a free service and is
staffed by trained volunteers willing to give their time.
Appointments will be available from February 9th to April 12th on consecutive
Tuesdays. One hour time slots will be available starting at 12 pm and ending
at 4 pm. Appointments must be made either in person at the Senior Center or
by phone beginning in December. Please see the December newsletter for
more details.
Page 38 of 46
4
Need Help With Food?
Find Out If You Are Eligible for
(formerly known as Food Stamps)
Did you know… you may qualify for SNAP even if:
you own a home ◊ you are working full or part-time ◊ you have retirement income
you have a car ◊ you are living with others
You may qualify if you
meet these SNAP
income guidelines:
Household Size/ Maximum Monthly Income Guidelines for SNAP
1
2
$1,800
3
$2,425
4
$3,052
5
$3,678
6
$4,303
$4,930
7
higher
Foodshare will be offering SNAP eligibility screening and application assistance at the
United Congregational Church of Tolland (in the church office), 45 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT
By Appointment from 10:00 am—12:00 pm
on the following Saturdays:
November 21, 2015
December 19, 2015
Call the church office for an appointment @ 860-875-4160.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
Hard to believe, but heating season is right around the corner! Appointments to apply for the 2015/2016 Energy Assistance Program will be scheduled beginning September 8; deliveries of fuel will begin November 10. On behalf of eligible
households, the winter heating assistance pays for such heating sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene,
coal and wood/pellets. Homeowners and renters may apply. Income Guidelines are listed below.
Application Documentation- Residents must provide proof of all Income (employment/ unemployment, Social Security,
pensions, child support, etc.) and Assets (checking, savings, CD's, stocks, bonds, shares, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts if the accounts are in the name of a household member who is at least 59 ½ years old) for ALL
household members for the four weeks prior to the application date.
Tolland residents may contact the following with inquiries or to schedule an appointment to apply for energy assistance:
Seniors- contact Rebecca Ellert, (860) 870-3726;
All others residents contact Nancy Dunn, (860) 871-3612; residents may also contact the ACCESS Agency in
Willimantic, (860) 450-7423. We are unable to process walk-in applications.
Household Income Guidelines for Energy Assistance- 2015/2016
1
Under
$33,132
2
Under
$43,327
3
Under
$53,521
4
5
Under
$63,716
Under
$73,910
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5
6
Under
$84,105
7
Under
$86,016
November Birthdays ...
Happy Birthday!!
Howard Larson
Ellen Soracchi
Judy Sullivan
Nicholas Lesbines
Joseph Clemento
Alice Galo
Elaine Fetko
Larry Guardiani
Norma Marriner
David Hawkes
Lynn Lacoss
11/2
11/4
11/4
11/5
11/6
11/6
11/8
11/9
11/12
11/12
11/14
Edward Lashetski
Betty King
Barbara Stone
Jean Fournier
Norm Duval
Judy Bureau
Irving Fuller
Marcia Fuller
Betty-Lou Griffin
Fran Plant
Lori Kleef
11/14
11/15
11/17
11/20
11/23
11/23
11/25
11/25
11/25
11/25
11/25
BIRTHDAY PARTY LUNCH
It is typically held on the last Thursday of the month at noon.
Here are the guidelines to participate:




By Reservation Only-we cannot accept walk-ins
Put your name on the sign up sheet by the Tuesday before the event
Payment is required in advance ($4)
If you need to cancel, please call 860-870-3730.
Next Birthday Party Lunch for November is November 19
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6
NOVEMBER 2015
SUNDAY
1
8
15
MONDAY
2
TUESDAY
3
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
WEDNESDAY
4
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
PENN & TELL
THURSDAY
5
6
LUNCH
PING PONG
COMP LAB
TAI CHI
MEN’S BILLIARDS QUILTING
CRAFTS
DOMINOES
CARDS
BILLIARDS:
10
11
12
13
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
CLOSED
COMP LAB
TAI CHI
QUILTING
DOMINOES
BILLIARDS:
16
17
18
19
20
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
PENN & TELL
NO LUNCH
PING PONG
COMP LAB
TAI CHI
MEN’S BILLIARDS QUILTING
DOMINOES
CRAFTS
Birthday Party
CARDS
Lunch 12 pm
SATURDAY
7
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
9
BLOOD
PRESSURE
14
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
21
BILLIARDS:
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
YOGA
FOOT CARE
10 :00 – 11:30 am
22
FRIDAY
23
24
25
NO LUNCH
CHORUS
NO PROGRAMS
NO PROGRAMS
26
27
CLOSED
CLOSED
28
Holiday basket Holiday basket
Set up
Pick up
29
30
************
Please
see
activity times
below
************
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
BOOK CLUB
Billiards
Book Club
Bridge
Cards
Chorus
Computer Lab
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
12:30 pm
1:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Dominoes
1:00 p.m.
Exercise
9:00 a.m.
Knitting Group
9:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Meditation
1:30 pm
Painting
9:00 a.m.
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PLEASE
CALL
860-8703730
TO
CONFIRM
PROGRAMS
Pen & Tell
Ping Pong
Quilting Group
Social
Tai Chi
Yoga
ALL
PROGRAMS
ARE
SUBJECT
TO CHANGE
WITHOUT
NOTICE
1:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
Senior Center Book Club Selections
for 2015-2016
November 16, 2015
EMILY AND EINSTEIN by Linda Frances
January 25, 2016
THE DRESSMAKER by Kate Alcott
February 22, 2016
WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall
March 28, 2016
THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion
April 25, 2016
THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah
May 23, 2016
THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN by Lisa Jewell
Book Club meets the fourth Monday of the month at 1:00pm
Date may change if Monday is a holiday
(please check calendar)
Book Club will not meet in December, June, July and August
FOODSHARE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The FoodShare Mobile Food Pantry is available in Tolland on
alternate Thursdays, 9-9:30 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to
the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland
Green. Pre-registration and identification are not required. For
more information about FoodShare, residents may contact FOODSHARE at (860) 286-9999
or the UCC office at (860) 875-4160, or visit the FOODSHARE website, www.foodshare.org.
For the next few months, distribution at the Tolland site will be on the following dates:
Autumn/Winter 2015 dates are:
November 12th
December 10th & 24th
Residents participating in the program must bring their own bags.
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10
Senior Center Activities
Billiards - men meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Men and women meet
every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Birthday Party Lunch - held once a month to celebrate all those who have had a birthday
during that month. This special event is by reservation only and is held at 12:00 p.m. un
less otherwise noted, and the cost is $4.00
Book Club - book discussion is held on the fourth Monday of the month, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Bridge - join us for a game of Bridge every fourth Wednesday, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Cards - join us for a game of cards every Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Chorus - the “Note-ables” meet every Monday morning, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Computer Lab - learn how to use a computer on Thursday mornings, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Crafts - every Wednesday morning, 10:00-11:30 a.m. - You may bring a craft of your own
choice, such as knitting, crocheting, etc. or you may participate in making center
pieces for our Birthday Party Lunches.
Dominoes - held every Thursday, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Exercise - Tuesday mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m. - This is a stretch and balance, low-impact class
Intergenerational Programs - programs that include the young people in Tolland
Knitting Group - work on knitting projects on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Lunch Box Cafe - every Monday and Wednesday at 12:00 noon, lunch is served. The cost
Is $4.00 per meal and the menu varies.
Meditation - held every Monday afternoon, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Painting – Water color painting class– every Friday 9:30 a.m.
Pen & Tell - a creative writing class held every other Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Ping Pong - come over to the Senior Center for a game on Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Quilting Group - meets on Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Social - every Monday at 11:30 a.m. - Join us and share a special visit with one another
Tai Chi Class - a gentle exercise class held on Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Yoga– every Wednesday at 2:30pm
All Programs are subject to change without notice.
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Dedicated to
Tolland Senior
Citizens
Tolland Senior Center
674 Tolland Stage Rd
P.O. Box 159
Tolland, CT, 06084
Phone: 860-870-3730
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - noon
New Members
and drop-ins are
always welcome.
Check the Calendar
for special programs.
Tolland Human Services Department
Senior Center Director: Fran Weigand, 860-870-3725
Elderly Outreach Caseworker: Rebecca Ellert, 860-870-3726
Newsletter Editors: Fran Weigand, Rebecca Ellert
Human Services Director: Beverly Bellody, 860-871-3611
Assistant Director of Human Services: Nancy Dunn, 860-871-3612
Human Services Case Manager: Stephanie Mansell, 860-871-3615
Human Services Administrative Assistant: Bridget Joy, 860-871-3648
Please visit us on the Tolland website at www.tolland.org
HOCKANUM VALLEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DIAL-A-RIDE PROGRAM
860-870-7940
Tolland residents who are at least 60 years of age or disabled adults under 60 are
qualified for the Dial-a-Ride service. Transportation is provided between 8:30 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Dial-a-Ride travels to all
locations in Vernon, Ellington and Tolland including medical appointments, shopping, social and recreational. Whenever possible grocery and other shopping trips
are provided on a group basis. They also go to Manchester on Mondays and
Thursdays for doctor’s appointments only.
In order to continue to provide reliable safe transportation to the Tri Town area,
a $2.00 donation will be needed when boarding the van on each trip. Round trip
costs $4.00. You must have the exact amount as the drivers will not have change. To make reservations, call 860870-7940, Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Reservations can be made in advance, on a first come first
serve basis. The minimum amount of time to make a reservation is one week in advance of the appointment.
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